Khajoor/Date Balls

Recipe contributed by: Dhara Balwa

Dates is my favorite dry fruit. I like all varieties but Deglet Noor are my favorite kind. Not too sweet, a bit chewy and stuff it up with some roasted nut -- it is a perfect filling healthy snack. This recipe, however, requires Medjool dates because of their soft and plump nature. Due to the same reasons, Medjool dates are overly sweet and you have to tone down the sweetness with lots of nuts, shredded dried coconut and edible gum. Edible gum, light brown/white in color, is a frequently used ingredient in sweets made in India during the winter time. It supposedly helps in keeping the body warm and strong. It also provides a slight crunch which I love. This Christmas, I decided to gift a pack of these date balls to friends celebrating the occasion. They are quick to make and again a good snack for the winter time (which has been brutal this year BTW!)

Makes: 90-100
Prep time: 30 min; Cook time: 10 min; Finish time: 15 min

Veg. Momos

Recipe contributed by: Dhara Balwa

Well, I have been away from blogging for so long it feels like I am starting all over again. While I have been busy with other things, there are still recipes written and pictures taken. Just not typed up here. The New Year is notorious of bringing this feeling of a new start and across the globe so many people decide to live differently and make resolutions. I am one of them. I have made two resolutions. First, to post at least two recipes a month. And in order to fulfill that resolution for this month, here is the first one.

Did you know I never had Momos before until these friends of ours prepared it for dinner at their place? First Momo with the special chutney and the flavors so harmonious, my mouth and tummy did a happy dance. Though I haven't had it anywhere else, I can say they are as best as the Momos can get. While I was so appreciative and happy of this tasty meal, my husband was elated. He is the reason I decided to give it a try making them. It was not rocket science to figure out that they are not so easy to make and very time consuming, especially to make the best kinds. So, having looked around at few recipes and videos, I plunged into the kitchen. The result, Ehhh! The filling was nice, the dough covering it was okay. But as the bench mark was high, it was a disappointment. Given the time the prep took, I decided not to try it again.

We were invited for Christmas dinner at the same friend's home and because we loved Momos, they were kind enough to prepare it again. Since I had tried already and wanted to ask what I was not doing right, I discussed it and got inspired to try it again. Mind you, it was not less laborious, but the end results were more than satisfactory. So, was it worth it? Yes! Will I be making it regularly? No! Only when I really feel like making a treat/butter up my husband. :) It would also help if you are at least a team of two. It is faster to prepare then.

Lastly, I would like to convey a very special Thanks to Renu, whose recipe I have adapted. She shared the recipe of Chutney and also put in so much effort to make these Momos. She should definitely be in Momos Business.

Makes: 40 Momos
Difficulty level: Medium
Prep time: 50-60 min Cook time: 10-15 min